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Engagement Ring Styles and Settings: Your Ultimate Shopping and Styling Guide
Angelica Frey | July 18, 2023
There is a lot of knowledge and, to a certain extent, lore, that you first encounter when you decide to buy an engagement ring. Laern more about all our engagement ring settings with our guide.
A reliable first step is choosing what setting or style of ring you want to go for before determining the diamond shape of your choice. An engagement ring setting refers to the overall design of a ring. Some jewelry companies will call the structure that holds the diamond in place the setting, but VRAI considers every detail, from prongs to style of band, important to take into consideration.
Introduction to Engagement Ring Settings
Different settings can entirely change the appearance of a ring, and a setting is what ultimately marks the differences between styles (classic, vintage-inspired, modern) much more than the cut and shape of the center stone. You can consider a preset ring, which is one with the setting and diamond already selected for you or customize your own ring starting with either a lab-grown diamond of your choice or by selecting the setting.
Once you narrow down what style you want, you can then evaluate what diamond shape, color, and carat weight complements it best. In addition, at a lower carat weight, the setting determines the overall look of a ring as much as the diamond shape.
For as many lab-grown diamonds as there are to choose from, there are often even more setting options. VRAI offers 30 different diamond shapes cut from VRAI created diamonds. These lab grown diamonds can be used in 29 different setting styles. This brings the total number of possible combinations into the hundreds.
You can also choose to engrave your ring to personalize it even more.
The Solitaire
Solitaire refers to any ring with one gemstone. In the case of engagement rings, a solitaire is any ring that only features one diamond. With Solitaires, it’s easy to see how the focus is on the diamond, but the truth is that the setting largely influences the overall appearance of the ring. Some people favor higher settings with the lowest amount of prongs, while others prefer lower settings that make the diamond unobtrusive during everyday activities.
The Signature Solitaire
The Signature is VRAI’s own take on the traditional solitaire design. Our signature sling dips slightly and sits both low on your finger and flush with your wedding band.
The Classic
The Classic features four curved prongs that gently lift and elevate the center diamond, which maximizes both size and brilliance. The Classic is set higher than VRAI’s Signature line.
The Signature 6-Prong
The Signature 6 Prong combines the innovative design of the Signature with the universal appeal of a six-prong setting, which both accentuates the brilliance and beauty of the center stone while enhancing its security.
Classic Engagement Ring Styles
Classic engagement rings also put the spotlight on the center stone, but they feature slightly more elaborate metalwork than the Solitaire designs. In classic styles, the band and the overall setting (other than the prongs) play a greater role in the overall appearance of the final product.
The Cathedral
The Cathedral engagement ring features two arches on either side of the stone that lift it and elevate it. These characteristics make it resemble a Gothic cathedral, for a design combining elegance and strength.
The Halo
The Halo engagement ring features a series of handset pavé diamonds encircling the center stone. This enhances both the brilliance and the size of the stone, making it look up to 1/2 carat larger.
The Signature Bezel
Bezel rings have existed since the earliest documentations of jewelry-related artifacts. VRAI’s interpretation of this setting features a sleek, knife-edge gold rim, which keeps the stone secure and bounces light in every direction so your diamond shines bright.
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Modern Engagement Ring Styles
Modern engagement ring settings come in styles and shapes that can remind you of abstract and surrealist art. Think of a combination of soft curves and edges, a clever use of negative space, and an emphasis on asymmetry. What we deem modern today, though, can fully transition to being a classic within the next five years, and that is a testament to the longevity and appeal of a design.
The Hover
The Hover engagement ring features a floating solitaire diamond with surrealistic appeal. Our signature cup setting keeps your stone secure while hovering above your finger for a dreamlike effect.
The Signature V
The Signature V features contoured cusps that nestle the VRAI created diamond of your choice between the band’s dipping center. This asymmetrical design emphasizes both modernity and craftsmanship, and can be worn with the V facing either direction. The shape of the band pairs especially well with elongated diamond shapes.
The Double Band
Two bands set side by side without touching each other create a look of elegance and strength and unity within individuality, depicting a force field symbolizing ever-lasting love.
Vintage Style Engagement Ring Styles
Vintage-inspired ring settings refer to specific styles that were popular in past eras of jewelry. They are different from classic designs because they deliberately reference a particular era and aesthetic, whereas, in the case of classic styles, it’s hard to date the inspiration and the piece of jewelry.
The Toi et Moi
The ultimate symbol of the union of two souls, the Toi et Moi was first popularized by Napoleon, who, in 1796, offered one to his first wife Josephine de Beauharnais. Choose the combination that suits your style best.
The Three Stone Oval
The choice of the side stones greatly affects the appearance of your three-stone ring. Creating a trio of Round diamonds, for example, will yield a style that is reminiscent of a circa 1910 ring, while substituting the Round diamonds with Baguettes will create an Art Deco design.
The Graduated Band
An array of eight VRAI created diamonds in graduated sizes appear to float alongside in this shared-prong setting. This design emphasizes diamond more than metalwork, and it blends maximal brilliance and ethereal elegance.
Art Deco Engagement Ring Styles
Art Deco Rings are notable for geometric patterns and abstract designs. The most common geometric shapes are triangles, squares, rectangles, and circles. For this reason, you will see a lot of Emeralds, Asscher, and Baguettes employed in Art Deco and Art-Deco-inspired jewelry.
The Three Stone Emerald
Three emeralds create a quintessentially Art Deco ring: larger side stones will create a more uniform look, smaller side stones will emphasize the geometry of the center stone and highlight the rectangular shape of all diamonds.
The Five Stone Heirloom
Four Baguette shaped side stones align to enhance the brilliance of your center VRAI created diamond: this setting elegantly complements brilliant-cut diamonds too, creating an interesting mix of faceting patterns.
The Baguette Bar
The Asscher diamond resembles the Emerald diamond, but is square in silhouette and has trapeze-shaped facets and a deep pavilion. Pairing it with a band adorned with Baguette diamonds results in a sleek and modern interpretation of Art Deco jewelry